Manna and a King

It's always interesting when reading and studying two different parts of the Bible and seeing how they have a common theme. In our women's Bible study we've been studying the book of Exodus and in a Bible study I'm going through with my friend Madison, we are studying the book of 1 Samuel.

Both books have the people of Israel as the main characters. Reading about them and their view of God reminds me often of how I view God.

In Exodus, God gave the Israelite people manna to eat. He gave very clear instructions about when they were to gather it, eat it, etc. Did the Israelites trust God? No, they tried to gather more than they should have, uncertain if God would provide for them the next day...and the next.

In 1 Samuel, I saw a similar theme. The Israelite people had been living under the rule of a judge and then they decided they wanted a king. They wanted to be like the other nations. It's as if the way of rule that God had provided wasn't good enough. They wanted to take things into their own hands and control the situation with a king.

Thankfully, God is a good God and He has plenty of grace and compassion for His people.

It makes me think about the fact that I don't always think God's way is good enough for me. I think I can figure things out my own way and God can just go along with my plan. I mean, it's easier to control my own situations, isn't it?

Oh, that I would be able to rest in God - trust him and cast out all fear - knowing that He will take care of me and Has my well-being in mind. What God brings may not always be easy, but it's the best.

Amen?